Helena Rathbone has long been a central and beloved figure in Australia’s musical life. As Principal Violin and sometimes leader of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, she brings both incisive musicianship and deep artistic integrity to everything she touches. She’s equally at home leading string ensembles, mentoring young musicians, or stepping into a solo spotlight.In this wide-ranging and warm interview, Helena reflects on her rich musical life as Principal Violin of the ACO and co-director of the upcoming ACO Unleashed tour. She shares stories from her musical upbringing in a singing family, her training in the UK including at the Guildhall School of Music, her experiences with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, and her decision to move to Australia to join the ACO 30 years ago. She talks about her passion for mentoring young musicians through the ACO’s emerging artist programs, her treasured Stradivarius violin, and the emotional significance behind her music choices.Helena Rathbone co-directs the Australian Chamber Orchestra for ACO Unleashed around Australia from June 21 to July 2.
--------
50:21
Eamonn Dougan: Adventures of a choral chihuahua
Associate Conductor of The Sixteen, Eamonn Dougan has built a reputation as an inspirational communicator with a wide-ranging and adventurous repertoire. In addition to his work with The Sixteen, he is the founding director of Britten Sinfonia Voices and Music Director of the Thomas Tallis Society. The website Bachtrack perhaps sums him up best, praising his “remarkable knack for finding the perfect balance between allowing the emotion time to speak, while keeping everything moving.”In this conversation, Eamonn shares his passion for unearthing overlooked musical treasures, including the rich and rarely heard repertoire of the Polish Baroque. He speaks warmly about his educational work with emerging artists, advocating for ensemble singing as a distinct discipline deserving serious attention. We also discuss the origins and impact of his podcast Choral Chihuahua, created during the pandemic and now in its eighth season, as well as his approach to recording, and the lasting emotional power that music holds in his life.Eamonn Dougan is currently in Australia guest directing The Song Company for Love’s Four Seasons, a compelling program exploring the cycle of human relationships through madrigals by Monteverdi, Gesualdo, and Barbara Strozzi, alongside modern works. At the time of publication, performances have already taken place in Newcastle, Wollongong and Canberra, with further concerts at the Utzon Room of the Sydney Opera House on Saturday 14 June and at the Blackheath Uniting Church on Sunday 15 June.
--------
54:42
Luke Spicer: The making of a modern maestro
One of Australia’s foremost young conductors, Luke Spicer has appeared as guest conductor of the Tasmanian, Queensland, and Canberra Symphony Orchestras, and as a conductor and music director with Opera Australia. He’s also been guest Assistant Conductor at the Bruckner Orchestra Linz, the Saarländisches Staatstheater of Saarbrücken, and with the Sydney Symphony, working with both Simone Young and Vladimir Ashkenazy.In this conversation, Luke reflects on his journey from violinist to violist to conductor, influenced by formative experiences including a pivotal moment in Bathurst. He recounts studying under demanding mentors like Gianluigi Gelmetti, and his early performing experiences, including touring with Opera Australia. Luke Spicer conducts musicians of the Guizhou Chinese Orchestra and the Australia Orchestra for Folk Reimagined: East in Symphony in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House on Monday 7 July and at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Wednesday 9 July.
--------
48:50
Susannah Lawergren: Singing across centuries
Susannah Lawergren has developed a reputation as a beautifully clear soprano with “stunning vocal expression” and “compelling stagecraft”. A principal artist with both The Song Company and Bach Akadamie Australia, she’s also performed with our other top ensembles, from Sydney Chamber Choir and Opera Australia, to Cantillation and Ensemble Offspring, plus has appeared at the Sydney and Adelaide Festivals and the Canberra International Music Festival.In this conversation, Susannah speaks candidly about her musical upbringing and studies, and reflects on the unique qualities of singing in different languages, explaining how language profoundly shapes vocal expression. We hear about how a beer at a pub serendipitously led to her involvement with Bach Akadamie Australia, plus about her career-making role with The Song Company. She also delves into the technical and emotional challenges of singing early and contemporary music, the importance of vocal pedagogy, and how her teaching approach emphasises sustainable practice and motor learning. Susannah Lawergren performs The Class of 85 with Bach Akadamie Australia 30 May to 1 June, followed by Love’s Four Seasons with The Song Company from 6 to 15 June.
--------
48:00
Sally-Anne Russell: Phantom phases to passion projects
One of Australia’s finest mezzo-sopranos, multi-award-winner Sally-Anne Russell has a career spanning over 80 operatic roles and performances on some of the world's most prestigious stages. She is celebrated for her rich, expressive voice and captivating artistry. From Baroque masterpieces to contemporary works, Sally-Anne has enchanted audiences across the globe. She’s worked with luminaries from Bryn Terfel and Sumi Jo, to our own Richard Gill and Simone Young, and appears on over 40 albums and DVDs. Sally-Anne recounts her early beginnings in Adelaide, including her shift from aspiring dancer to opera singer, and her unusually young entry into the State Opera of South Australia Chorus. She discusses her time performing in The Phantom of the Opera, her return to classical singing, and her subsequent international experiences, including scholarships and working with major figures like Bryn Terfel and Pavarotti. The conversation explores her affinity for Baroque repertoire, particularly Bach and Handel, her work as co-artistic director of the Albury Chamber Music Festival, and the unpredictability and resilience required in a performer’s life.Sally-Anne Russell performs Warm Winter Songs at the Yallamundi Room of the Sydney Opera House onWednesday, June 11. A fundraiser by the Sydney Opera House Ladies Committee, their events support the Arts Assist & Access Programs of the Opera House so children from under-resourced schools, or with a disability, can attend a performance at the House, which is often their first such experience.
In Conversation is brought to you by 2MBS Fine Music Sydney.
In each episode, Simon Moore speaks to a figure in our artistic landscape, delving into all the detailed and interesting facets of their life, from the trivial to the profound. Our guest also introduces some musical extracts that are meaningful to them.
Listen to In Conversation, Broken Record with Rick Rubin, Malcolm Gladwell, Bruce Headlam and Justin Richmond and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
Australia